Football: Arsenal boss Arteta considers transfer market move after Jesus injury

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said the “significant injury” suffered by Gabriel Jesus will bolster the Gunners’ efforts in the January transfer window.

Arsenal’s marquee pre-season signing was sent home early from the Qatar World Cup with a knee problem suffered in Brazil’s shock defeat by Cameroon.

The striker underwent surgery and Arteta, while uncertain of when he will return, said on Thursday his injury was severe enough to prompt the current Premier League leaders to look for a new signing in January.

“I never gave a date. I said that we don’t know,” Arteta said of Jesus’ recovery. “ It’s going to take some time, for sure.”

“He’s gone through surgery and that tells you the extent of the injury, so we will be in the market and we will assess the biggest opportunities that we have.

“We are going to be active and active means we are looking to strengthen the team.

“This squad still doesn’t have the luxury of not maximising every single window. We have to do that because it’s really important but then we have to get the right profile. It has to be the right player to take us to the next level.”

Following the break for the World Cup, Arsenal return to English top-flight action on Monday at home to London rivals West Ham, with the Gunners five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.

The 25-year-old Jesus has been a central figure in their Premier League progress since his arrival from City with five goals and six assists, even though he has not scored in his last 10 club games.

“Obviously a huge blow with Gabriel and his injury,” Arteta added, when asked about his team’s chances against the Hammers without their star striker.

“The season has challenges but, if you’re going to be at the top, there’s always going to be those challenges.”

While Jesus faces a long spell on the sidelines, the majority of Arsenal’s World Cup players are set to be involved against West Ham.

William Saliba returned to training on Friday and Arteta will make a late call on the French centre-back’s fitness but Emile Smith Rowe (groin) and Reiss Nelson (muscle) have been ruled out.

“Some (World Cup players) came home earlier than expected and they were buzzing to be back and part of it,” said Arteta.

“I feel a really good energy around the place. They have got straight away into the rhythm and what we want.

“I want the team to play a certain way, and the more consistent we are on that, the more we are going to win.”

West Ham manager David Moyes, meanwhile, is also looking forward to facing the Gunners.

He said: “It’s a great game to start because Arsenal are playing so well. They’ve changed dramatically, they’re playing some really good stuff, so it’s a tough game for us.

“But why not? You’ve got to play everybody and we’ve had some good games over the last few seasons against Arsenal, so I’m looking forward to another one.” AFP, REUTERS